Description
Discover how to make a delicious Quinoa Pomegranate Salad with our easy recipe. This healthy dish is perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (240g)
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds (40g)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (10g)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves (10g)
- 1/3 cup fresh pomegranate arils (60g)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins (45g)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) thinly sliced green olives
- (or 1/3 cup (80 ml) crumbled tofu or vegan cheese)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (60ml)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about two medium lemons, juiced) (60ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
- Several twists of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- To prepare the quinoa: Start by washing the quinoa using a fine mesh strainer under running water for one to two minutes. Place the cleaned quinoa in a medium pot with 2 cups of water. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, cover the pot, turn down the heat to a low simmer, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, pour off any remaining water, and use a fork to fluff the quinoa. Let it cool.
- For the almonds: Warm up a small skillet over medium-low heat and add the almonds, stirring often until they are fragrant and the edges begin to brown. Be careful not to burn them! Move the toasted almonds to your serving dish to cool down.
- For the dressing: Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and a hearty amount of freshly ground black pepper using a whisk.
- To assemble the salad: In your serving dish with the almonds, combine the quinoa, mint, parsley, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and olives or cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together to ensure it is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later use.
Notes
- Toast the almonds until fragrant to enhance their nutty flavor in the salad.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or olive oil to taste before serving.
